SpaceX targets September 22 for first Starship orbital test flight

The short version

• SpaceX has scheduled the 14th Starship test flight for September 22, aiming to reach Earth orbit for the first time.[Ars Technica · TechCrunch]
• The mission is planned to deploy 26 third-generation Starlink satellites into a 275-kilometer orbit.[Ars Technica · TechCrunch]
• The Starship upper stage will seek to complete six orbits during a mission lasting about 10 hours.[Ars Technica]
• Launch timing remains subject to regulatory clearance, and SpaceX will not attempt tower catches of the booster or ship.[Ars Technica · TechCrunch]

Key facts

• SpaceX scheduled its 14th Starship test flight for September 22 with a 75-minute launch window starting at 7:15 a.m. CT.[Ars Technica · TechCrunch]
• The test flight marks SpaceX's first attempt to send the Starship upper stage into Earth orbit.[Ars Technica · TechCrunch]
• The vehicle is set to deploy 26 V3 Starlink satellites into an orbit 275 kilometers above Earth.[Ars Technica · TechCrunch]
• The upper stage aims to complete six Earth orbits before ending the mission after approximately 10 hours.[Ars Technica]
• SpaceX will not attempt to catch either the Super Heavy booster or the Starship upper stage on this mission.[TechCrunch]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• SpaceX will try to put Starship in orbit for the first time on September 22TechCrunch
• SpaceX declares Starship ready for orbit, sets launch date next weekArs Technica